Common Violations

High Grass & Weeds

(Code of Ordinances Sec 14-3 (b)) Grass and weeds shall grow no higher than 12 inches tall. High grass and weeds not only pose a fire hazard but may also harbor rodents and snakes as well as contribute to pests such as mosquitoes and chiggers.

The following photo is an example of grass or weeds that are technically higher than 12 inches tall, but do not constitute a health or safety risk. Such instances should not be reported:

Trash & Debris

(Code of Ordinances Sec 14-3 (b)) Trash and debris are not permitted to accumulate on the property. Accumulated trash and debris on a property pose health risks as lead to infestations of rodents and insects.

Bulk waste shall not be placed out for pickup more than 5 days prior to the scheduled city pick up.

Instances of illegal dumping should be reported to the Police Department.

Tree Limbs & Branches

(International Property Maintenance Code 302.4) Tree limbs, branches, shrubs and plants shall not prevent the free passage of vehicles or pedestrians. Tree limbs must be maintained to not extend into public sidewalks up to a minimum height of 7 feet, not extend into alleys or streets up to a height of 14 feet.

Tree limbs overhanging from one private property to an adjacent private property are not a code violation, but rather a civil issue between the two parties.

Off Street Parking

(Code of Ordinances Sec 12-115(a) (1)) The parking of motor vehicles on unimproved surfaces can lead to ruts which may accumulate water that can become stagnant and may allow vehicle fluids to contaminate soil. Motor vehicles must be parked entirely on a paved concrete or asphalt surface.

Graffiti

(Code of Ordinances Sec 11-100) Visual blight or any unauthorized inscription, word, figure, painting, or other defacement that has been affixed or applied to any public or private property and is visible from any public property or right-of-way or is visible from the private property of another person is deemed a public nuisance.

Home Occupations

(Zoning Ordinance 15.700) Any activity carried out for gain by a resident which results in the manufacture or provision of goods and/or services and is conducted as an accessory use in a dwelling unit. All home occupations must meet the following criteria;

Only one employee other than occupants of the residence may be employed

No interior or exterior signage shall be used to advertise the occupation. Vehicles with business signage may not be parked on the street or within 30 feet of the curb.

May not be conducted in any accessory building and the total floor area used in the principle dwelling may not exceed 20% of the total floor area.

Merchandise shall not be offered or displayed for sale on the premises. Sales incidental to a service shall be allowed, and orders previously made by telephone or at a sales party may be filled on the premises.

No outdoor storage of materials, goods, supplies, or equipment shall be allowed.

No building alterations shall be allowed that alter the residential character of the home.

No repair or servicing of vehicles, internal combustion engines, large equipment, or large appliances shall be allowed.

Produce no offensive noise, vibration, smoke, electrical interference, dirt, odors, or heat in excess of those normally found in residential areas.

No toxic, explosive, flammable, combustible, corrosive, radioactive, or other hazardous materials shall be used or stored on the site for business purposes.

No traffic shall be generated by a home occupation in greater volumes than normally expected in a residential neighborhood, and any parking must be accommodated within the required off-street parking for the residence or along the street frontage for the lot.

Junk Vehicle

(Code of Ordinances Sec 12-228(a)) A self-propelled vehicle or part thereof is prohibited if it is in view of the public, or on a public right of way and

Displays an expired or invalid license plate or registration insignia or does not display, a current valid license plate or registration insignia; and

Is wrecked, damaged, dismantled or partially dismantled, or discarded or has remained inoperable for more than 72 hours on public property or 30 consecutive days on private property.

Fences

(Code of Ordinances Sec 6-186) Shall not lean out of vertical alignment more than 10 degrees and exterior supports shall not be used for vertical alignment.

Fences with damaged, removed or missing area’s greater than 20 square feet must be replaced or repaired in workman like manner with comparable materials which were designed for use as fencing material. No fencing material shall be located in public right of way.

Open Storage (Residential)

(International Property Maintenance Code 302.10) The outside storage of goods, materials, or equipment on a lot or tract including the placement of storage containers such as vaults, shipping containers or other vehicles for storage. Open storage does not include the storage of furniture, cooking equipment, heaters, firewood, fire pits, and other items designed to be stored outside of a residential building if stored in a manner which does not create a risk to the health or safety of the public or constitute a public nuisance.

Illegal Zoning Use or Prohibited Uses

Illegal commercial uses in residential districts, outside storage/display (commercial), and commercial uses which are prohibited by a properties zoning classification.

Damaged/Rotted Fascia & Siding

International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) Section 304.6 - All exterior walls (including fascia and soffit) must be free from holes, breaks, and loose or rotting materials. They must be maintained weatherproof and the surface coated, where required, to prevent deterioration.

Damaged Siding & Chipped Paint

International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) Section 304.2 - All exterior surfaces should be maintained in good condition. Peeling, flaking and chipped paint must be eliminated and surfaces repainted.

Inoperable Garage Door & Damaged Gutters

International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) Section 304.7 - Roof drains, gutters and downspouts should be maintained in good repair and free from obstructions.